Recommend Me a Perfume : August 2018

How is everyone’s summer vacation going? Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can this space to find fragrance recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors.

How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link uner their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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144 Comments

  • Anne: Hello lovely people,
    I was so looking forward to this month. I have had some great recommendations here.
    I am looking for fall winter scent. I feel this year will be santal for me. So what is your favourite santal fragrance and why. I am looking for a soft and intimiste santal fragrance. I don’t what it to project too much or to be too loud or too spicy. Would love your input. Many thanks. Anne August 20, 2018 at 9:20am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Anne,
      My favourite is Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens. When I visited India, I bought some sandalwood oil, and this perfume reminds me most of that scent. August 20, 2018 at 12:45pm Reply

      • Anne: Waooo thank you! I will definitely try it. August 21, 2018 at 3:15am Reply

    • Carla: Yes SantAl Majuscule is a good sandalwood. 10 Corso Como is also good but I think SantAl Majuscule is warmer, slightly better August 20, 2018 at 1:43pm Reply

      • Anne: Thank you santal majuscule is now definitely on my list. August 21, 2018 at 4:34pm Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Anne — for some reason my reply ended up on the bottom of all the posts, sorry! Please see below for my recommendation of Edward Bess Spanish Veil. August 20, 2018 at 7:31pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Hi! I like Hermes’ Santal Massoia. It has that Ellena lightness and is lighter than many sandalwood-based fragrances. Not loud at all. August 20, 2018 at 8:20pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Chanel Bois des Iles is my favorite soft sandalwood. August 20, 2018 at 9:15pm Reply

    • Cybele: try Loewe 001 Woman. It’s not really a sandelwood but has exactly that vibe. I love it.
      Otherwise Bois des Iles. August 21, 2018 at 3:13am Reply

    • Kayliz: Santal du Pacifique by Perris Monte Carlo is on the soft side. August 21, 2018 at 12:37pm Reply

    • tomato farcie: I have to add Dyptique Tam Dao to your many great choices. And definitely give Le Labo Santal 33 a sniff. August 21, 2018 at 1:02pm Reply

    • Anne: Thank you all for great suggestions. I look forward to trying them although unfortunately I won’t be able to try right away Bois des Iles ( as I have no Chanel close by).

      As any of you tried Bois de Billancourt perdume oil by maison Marié louis?
      And Santal Blush by tom Ford?
      And what are you thoughts ?

      Thank you thank you !!!! August 21, 2018 at 1:15pm Reply

    • Ingrid: Have you tried Tolu by Ormonde Jayne? This used to be one of top favourites for late autumn winter – it’s comforting like velvet, and very special. It reminds me quite a bit of Santal 33 by Le Labo too. My husband likes wearing it too. August 24, 2018 at 11:20am Reply

  • Ariadne: Happy August everyone!
    Recently I have discovered the Nest Fragrances collection and been very surprised and pleased. I particularly like Indigo and Black Tulip. If you like Bulgari Au The Rouge you will like Indigo. I have been wearing the EdP and it lasts well. Nest offers rollerball packaging too which is very handy. August 20, 2018 at 9:37am Reply

    • Andrea: I love the Nest bottles! Nest Perfumes are not available in Europe, are they? Thanks for telling your favorites, Ariadne. Important peace of information 🙂 August 20, 2018 at 1:22pm Reply

  • Dorothy Van Daele: I bought Perfumes, the Guide 2018, the new book by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez and am thoroughly enjoying their commentary. (The reviews are all new and most are for niche perfumes.) They give some Tom Ford perfumes 4 stars, and so when I visited Holt Renfrew in Toronto last week, I asked for a sample of Vert Boheme (citrus camphor, says the two word description). The clerk pulled out a huge bottle from behind the counter as well as a pipette. (Vert Boheme was sitting beside a bottle labelled F***ing Fantastic and I was told it’s the bestseller!) He proceeded to fill a tiny spray bottle (3.4 mL), apply a preprinted gold label and put it in a purpose made box! I was enchanted by the experience. And Vert Boheme is wonderful — a green, light-hearted scent quite unlike anything I own. August 20, 2018 at 10:10am Reply

    • Carla: Oh my goodness I must rush to Amazon. I had no idea! Maybe I will finally get to know recent perfumes. There is something about flipping through a book and they have a gift for scent description and dissection. This new guide likely dent my budget! I had tapered off in recent years and really don’t need another bottle, but ordering samples is so rewarding. Thank you for this news of their new book! August 20, 2018 at 1:52pm Reply

    • Severine: Maybe I should checkout TF counter soon. (Unfortunately in NYC SA are itching to make sales rather than take part in olfactory experience. But Guerlain counter at Saks is quite marvelous.) August 20, 2018 at 2:55pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I really like TF’s “Vert” series! I’ve had a similar experience with a generous sample at the TF counter in Neiman Marcus; love those tiny bottles! When the “Vert” scents came out, I tried them at Nordstrom and was given a handful of sample vials of them; they had them out on the counter for the taking. Vert Boheme and Vert de Fleur were my favorites. August 20, 2018 at 6:43pm Reply

  • Anne: Any recommendations for a scent that resembles the old formulation of Diorissimo?
    Lily of the valley, jasmine, ylang ylang .
    . August 20, 2018 at 10:52am Reply

    • Jennifer S: Debut by Parfums Delrae. It’s a little polarizing but I love it August 20, 2018 at 3:25pm Reply

    • Trudy: Maybe Debut by Parfums Del Rae? August 20, 2018 at 5:07pm Reply

      • Anne: Thank you. Didn’t know of it. Will check out. August 20, 2018 at 9:01pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Sorry, I was trying to reply to Anne’s question and got out of place! Please see my comment below. August 20, 2018 at 6:51pm Reply

    • Kayliz: Odalisque by Parfums Nicolai might be worth a try. August 21, 2018 at 12:41pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Have you tried Hermes Muguet Porcelaine? It’s very similar to the old/original Diorissimo. Victoria reviewed it a couple of years ago, so maybe you could find it. If I remember correctly, she thought it was very much like Diorissimo. August 26, 2018 at 3:46pm Reply

      • Anne: Thank you Silvermoon. Just ordered. Sounds perfect. August 26, 2018 at 4:03pm Reply

        • Silvermoon: Anne, hope you enjoy it! August 26, 2018 at 4:41pm Reply

  • carole macleod: Hello, Anne,

    In the same vein in Grandiflora – Michel. It’s done by Michel Roudnitska, and shares the same beautiful scent of airy jasime. Mine be worth your time 🙂
    Best regards,

    Carole August 20, 2018 at 11:58am Reply

    • Anne: Carole, how brilliant. Sounds perfect. August 20, 2018 at 9:02pm Reply

  • Filomena: I got the book as well…it’s just as much fun to browse as the first one. August 20, 2018 at 2:46pm Reply

  • armando: I’m looking for a masculine floral. Do you have any recommendation for me? August 20, 2018 at 2:49pm Reply

    • Katya: I recently got a sample of George by Jardins d’Escrivains. Neroli and Tobacco, very interesting. I liked it a lot but I am intimidated by a FB. Might be interesting for you though. August 20, 2018 at 3:55pm Reply

    • John: Hi Armando,

      Are there particular floral notes that you enjoy? For instance, I only recently realized that three of my favourite masculine fragrances, Antaeus, Egoïste and Habit Rouge, all have a noticeable rose note (in the case of the latter, very noticeable!) Any particular flower? August 20, 2018 at 9:16pm Reply

      • Armando: Hi John,
        Thanks for answering. Let’s say there is not a flower I dislike. I’m open to any floral composition. I do have to admit that lately I’ve been obsessed with violets. August 20, 2018 at 10:20pm Reply

        • John: Hi Armando,

          If you enjoy unusual compositions, you might try Narciso Rodriguez for Him EDT, which is a kind of reinvented fougère featuring an ozonic accord, musty patchouli, tangy violet leaf, and musk…
          Geoffrey Beene Grey Flannel is rather infamous for being a polarizing composition featuring both synthetic violet flowers and a crisp violet leaf accord. There is also a fairly potent rose note in the heart of that composition. It used to feature a great deal of oak moss, but is based more on vetiver and musk now.
          Speaking personally, and setting aside the violets for now, the three compositions I most enjoy the use of florals in are Dior’s Eau Sauvage (a wonderful use of hedione, a molecule derived from jasmine), Caron’s Le Troisieme Homme (cloves, lavender and jasmine) and Guerlain Habit Rouge (a wonderful rose, with a touch of iris, jasmine and geranium as well). Eau Sauvage is *the* classical citrus cologne, whereas the Third Man is more of a floral twist on the masculine aromatic fougère; Habit Rouge is its own little universe entirely… a velvety, powdered sandalwood composition you will likely love or hate at first sniff. None of them let you forge you’re wearing flowers. Good luck! August 20, 2018 at 11:29pm Reply

        • OnWingsofSaffron: Well, then Serge Lutens‘ „Bois de Violette“ ought to fit the bill perfectly! It is in my opinion completely unisex (but I must confess that I find all this strictly pour femme/pour homme stuff utterly ridiculous!) August 26, 2018 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Le Labo Rose 31 is a masculine rose fragrance. But maybe you should open your mind and just wear any floral that you like. What kind of flowers do you have in mind? August 20, 2018 at 9:18pm Reply

      • armando: Hi Nina,
        I will try Rose 31. I’ve been wearing Tea Rose. I have layered it with JPG’s Monsieur Eau du Matin (that thing he released years ago, gorgeous but so thin and short lived it disappointed everyone) and something subtle but very nice happens.

        Lately I’ve been obsessed with violets. August 20, 2018 at 10:29pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Then you should wear violets! August 20, 2018 at 10:57pm Reply

        • Nina: Be brave and try Après l’Ondée! August 21, 2018 at 12:33am Reply

        • maja: For violets you should really try DSquared He Rocky Mountain Wood, lovely violets and very natural smelling. 🙂 August 22, 2018 at 11:44am Reply

        • Notturno7: Hi Armando, I like the other recommendations you received. You mentioned wanting a violet note in the scents. Did you try Chanel Misia? It has violet, iris, rose, sandalwood combination. August 22, 2018 at 10:05pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Armando: 2 of my favorite florals for men are Les Parfums de Rosine Rose d’Homme and Dior Homme Intense. August 20, 2018 at 10:31pm Reply

    • Galen: Good question! 1st that comes to mind is Vaporocindro by January Scent Project. I’d definitely love to hear what others could recommend, especially anything that is not Rose-based. August 20, 2018 at 11:27pm Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Hi Armando:

      I agree with Le Labo ROSE 31: a really nice, dry, almost dusty green rose.

      For violets though, have you tried Heeley’s IRIS DE NUIT? Beautiful, clean; definitely gentle and soft; and a great pairing of iris and violet.

      Good luck. =:0) August 21, 2018 at 12:08am Reply

      • Eudora: Hi Armando and DaveStPaul,
        I thought about Heeley’s Iris de nuit but was wondering if it would be considered a flower or not. Nevermind it is lovely, elegant, clean and has quality and I vote for it!
        Thanks Armando for your recommendations time ago. I am enjoying trying men classics on me! August 22, 2018 at 10:50am Reply

    • Carla: Hello, I think De Profundis would be an excellent masculine floral. August 21, 2018 at 7:56am Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hi Armando,

      Some fragrances that come to mind are
      – New Sibet by Slumberhouse. Furry, earthy iris.
      – Une Rose by Frederic Malle. It’s marketed to women but it’s a very stately, reserved rose that reads unisex to me. You could also try Geranium Pour Monsieur although it’s not my favourite from the house.
      – Jasmin et Cigarette by Etat Libre d’Orange. This smells feminine to me but I’ve often read this as reading unisex or masculine to others. August 22, 2018 at 8:43pm Reply

    • Jessicarus: Hi Armando, when I first read your request a few days ago, I came up blank. I was just coming back to recommend a floral that I am wearing today: Oriza Legrand Violettes du Czar. And I see that you like violets! Violet is a big fave for me too, but I find the aforementioned skews a little too masculine for me. I really like all facets of it though, which is rare for me. I agree that Grey Flannel is worth trying, as is Santa Maria Maria Novella Violet. August 23, 2018 at 12:43pm Reply

    • Debby: If you love violets (I do, too!), try Alaia, a great violet/leather combo. It’s marketed for women, but definitely leans into unisex territory. August 23, 2018 at 6:19pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: „Eau Suave“ by Parfum d’ Empire: a masculine rose. The name does the perfume justice: it‘s suave, quiet, mature. Sort of a grownup scent, no bubblegum, mango-pop, or candy cotton. That said: it obviously isn‘t exactly glamorous. August 25, 2018 at 9:44am Reply

    • katherine x: Late to the party but think Le Labo Santal 33 might fit the bill. Violets and wood – warmer than the Serge combo in Bois des violette. September 13, 2018 at 6:25am Reply

  • Ariane: I finished a full bottle of Hermès Hiris some time ago — I had loved it. Recently, I bought another at an airport duty-free shop. When I opened it, I was shocked. It is nothing like the perfume I remember. It is pale and watery; I can hardly smell it. Has it been reformulated? Is there an iris scent that would be as beautiful as the old Hiris? August 20, 2018 at 2:53pm Reply

    • Matty: I quite like the Prada Infusions Iris. I’d be interested in other suggestions for Iris. August 20, 2018 at 3:21pm Reply

    • limegreen: This isn’t going to be like your beloved Hiris but I have enjoyed Atelier Cologne Iris Rebelle, something in a similar feathery treatment of iris.
      Not a pure iris fragrance, but I’ve fallen for Parfums DelRae Mystique and thanks to the recommendations from fellow BdJ readers!
      good luck! August 20, 2018 at 7:35pm Reply

    • Aurora: Yes, I think they changed it when it was repackaged in clear glass bottle instead of blue glass.

      Otheri iris: Recently, I’ve tried Miller Harris Terre d’Iris recently and quite liked it, it has the MH drydown, difficult to describe, and I own Dior Homme Intense, another wonderful powdery iris, the most powdery I have is Prada Infusion d’Iris EDP Absolue, for a bright, floral iris I love Aqua di Parma Iris Nobile, and for a simple iris, I am devoted to Yardley Iris (I think it is now discontinued but still available online where I live). August 20, 2018 at 10:23pm Reply

      • Ariane: Thank you Matty, lime green and Aurora for these good suggestions! It is disconcerting when a scent you love is suddenly different or even horrible (as happened with Opium). August 20, 2018 at 11:12pm Reply

    • Andrea: I tried Etro Jacquard a few weeks ago. It reminded me of Hiris, but it was a bit “nicer”, which can be disappointing or a good thing. Diptyque Fleur de Peau was very beautiful, too. I’m waiting for samples of Heeley Iris de Nuit and Le Galion Iris, which will arrive in a few days. The reviews are promising… August 21, 2018 at 6:16am Reply

    • Kayliz: I don’t know how Hiris used to smell… Velours, one of the perfumes in Yves Saint Laurent’s exclusive line, Le Vestiaire, is a gorgeous powdery iris suede, if that‘s any good! August 21, 2018 at 12:49pm Reply

    • Fleurycat: Another new Iris (orris, really) formulation I recently tried is Orris Tatoo by Parle Moi de Parfum. I like Hiris but I agree it can be thin. This one is very good, I think. Almost creamy, but still fresh. August 22, 2018 at 8:20pm Reply

  • Katya: So many scent impressions this month.

    I finally splurged on a FB of L’Ombre dans L’Eau by Diptyque. I wasn’t sure, I kept ping-ponging between it, Vetyverio, and Geranium Odorate. In the end, l’Ombre won out and I am super-stoked, although I notice it starts to smell suspiciously like Nivea on my skin after a few hours.

    I also got a bunch of samples from Jardins d’Escrivains. George was interesting, probably the most distinct, but I’ve not make up my mind about how I feel about tobacco on me. Even my beloved Neroli can’t sell me entirely on it. Wilde was surprising, a very creamy fig – a lot more creamier than Phylosikos or even Bois Naufragee. I liked it, but it started getting sickly very fast. Orlando was probably my favourite, but it reminded me a lot of Lush’s Rose Jam or L’Eau de Protection by Etat Libre. The spice kick is slightly stronger than I thought, but that is about all the difference I can make. All in all I thought they were fine but none knocked me off my feet.

    I also tried a sample of Corps et Ames by Parfumerie Generale. Eh… so-so, the lavender is nice but I’m not entirely sold on it. I guess I am yet to find a lavender that I can honestly wear and love… August 20, 2018 at 4:04pm Reply

    • Aurora: I’ve enjoyed your scent impressions very much, Katya.

      I haven’t done a lot of sampling this year, but one which has stayed with me is Diptyque Fleur de Peau and I was proud of having recognized that it contained iris without looking it up. August 21, 2018 at 6:48am Reply

    • Dorothy Van Daele: I haven’t cared for lavender scents until I tried a sample of Kiki by Vero Profumo. It’s lavender with tropical flowers, startlingly lovely and different. I bought a bottle and still love it a year later. August 21, 2018 at 10:28am Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Dorothy: You make Kiki sound so interesting, I actually like lavender in Jicky and Pour un Homme. Mito didn’t work for me with its cumin but I should explore the other VK. So expensive though. August 22, 2018 at 1:35pm Reply

    • katherine x: Katya – for a lovely lavender note you might try Chanel’s Jersey. September 13, 2018 at 6:29am Reply

  • Old Herbaceous: Oh Lordy. One of the things that sent me down this perfume rabbit hole was my search for a worthy successor to Diorissimo! I wrote a whole bunch of posts in a “May Muguet Marathon” to document my wanderings through lily of the valley land: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2016/04/30/fragrance-friday-may-muguet-marathon/. I think your options will depend a lot on which aspects of Diorissimo you love most. I love the green notes of muguet, so Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Decou-Vert was a good muguet for me. I also love Hermes’ Muguet Porcelaine and Van Cleef & Arpels’ Muguet Blanc. But there will never be another Diorissimo … August 20, 2018 at 6:48pm Reply

    • Monika: I am so afraid to use up my partial bottle of Diorissimo (just like my bottles of Theorema and Eau Sauvage). I wish I had known about the reformulations — I would have stocked up! August 20, 2018 at 9:28pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: I know! I’ve just given a dear friend a heads-up about the recent LVMH acquisition of Jean Patou, as she is devoted to the original Joy and I fear reformulation may be on the way! August 24, 2018 at 6:32pm Reply

  • limegreen: I recently tested Edward Bess Spanish Veil and it’s lovely sandalwood without being just about sandalwood (not heavy handed treatment). (I got generous 2ml samples from Osswald in NY.) I really really enjoyed my testing of this lovely fragrance, can imagine how nice it would be in cooler weather.
    Good luck! August 20, 2018 at 7:29pm Reply

    • limegreen: this is a reply to Anne above! August 20, 2018 at 7:32pm Reply

  • Monika: My suggestion for a masculine floral is Paestum Rose. Chandler Burr’s review captures it perfectly — check it out. It is a deep, dark crepuscular rose, layered with pepper and the most beautiful woods. August 20, 2018 at 9:26pm Reply

  • Stefanie: Hallo,everyone,my greatest love of all,when it comes to perfume,is the original Jean Louis Scherrer, a green, floral chypre, which is in my opinion the equivalent to french ELEGANCE. So, as I am constantly afraid now,that they will discontinue, I am looking for something similar, maybe a touch more modern and there could be some powder as well. Thanks a lot for any recommendations! August 21, 2018 at 2:43am Reply

    • Carla: Hello, I don’t know that perfume but for a green floral Chypre I recommend Odalisque, although it is more white flowers than a green. To me it says French and Perfume the way you’d like. Very elegant. If you want powder and a little less modern, Private Collection (dark green) or Rive Gauche (rose pink and green). August 21, 2018 at 8:03am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Stefanie: Like you I adore Jean-Louis Scherrer. i second Carla’s recommendations Private Collection in particular (not the Eau de Private Collection) but Estee Lauder discontinued it so maybe not so easy to find.
      Have you tried Yves Saint Laurent Y? It reminds me of JLS, it’s a great classic too. August 21, 2018 at 1:22pm Reply

  • Mela: I must make a horrible confession, I have not purchased a new fragrance in 2 years. Nothing I tried captured me. I love so many that I don’t consider myself a one brand girl, I ha Lutens(7) Amouage Attar (the most decadent thing ever) multiple, l’artisans, most of the brighter chanels, (Chrystal, no 19, la pausa, beige, lalobos, etc etc. but new offererings have eluded me. I would love an etgereal rose, a great gardenia, I love violets and greens, Tolu and Ormond jayne’s woman. Loves woods, incense, chery blossom. Is there such a thing as a warm green? (Have terre d’ hermes . Lily of the vally,. Perhaps a soft amber. All in all in all the fragrance is the thing. I’m one if those people who never stop smelling a fragrance or smells until removed from them. I’ve heard that Miller Harris and Heely have some beauties. But there seem to be mamy new designers I know nothing of. So looong and complex are great. Thank you thank you. August 21, 2018 at 12:07pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I will think about the many different types of fragrances you mentioned you are interested in, but a broader suggestion would be to buy the new book Perfumes: The Guide 2018. It’s such a fun read, and I promise it will ignite your curiosity at least about trying a lot of new fragrances, many of which you have not heard of yet. August 21, 2018 at 10:04pm Reply

    • Nina Z: My favorite gardenia is Cuir Gardenia from Aftelier, a natural perfume company. Mandy was able to source some gorgeous natural gardenia essence for this one, and it’s stunning and rich (though expensive). You can buy tiny bottles, however. Another idea is Le Wild by Chantecaille, which is a fresher, very pretty take on gardenia. August 21, 2018 at 10:09pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hello Mela,

      I’m not sure how green vetiver is to you but Fat Electrician by Etat Libre d’Orange is a fantastic, grassy vetiver paired with bitter myrrh with a dollop of vanilla cream swirled in. There’s also a more subtle take on this, Vetiver Tonka by Hermes.

      Another possible “warm green” would be Premier Figuier by L’Artisan Parfumeur. It starts off fresh and green but softens up very nicely in the dry down with sandalwood and almond. August 22, 2018 at 8:55pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Ethereal rose suggestion is Hermes Rose Ikebana. August 23, 2018 at 4:16pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Hi! You might like one of Diane St. Clair’s new scents, as I find First Cut to be a warm green: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2018/07/13/fragrance-friday-first-cut/. August 24, 2018 at 6:36pm Reply

  • Laura: Hi,
    I have a question. I am looking for a feminine, soft scent with sillage. I do not want the scent to be very wintery, I would like to use it in September. I am not a huge fan of white florals, I like oriental scents, but much of them seem to be winter scents for me. Thank you. August 21, 2018 at 1:02pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Laura: Perhaps Hermes Eau des Merveilles, or the richer Elixir des Merveilles, they have beautiful sillage are salty amber and woods that say fall with orange for a reminder of summer. Or a light musc like Cacharel Noa, soft musc with a coffee note, or Annick Goutal Musc Nomade with its vegetal musc (ambrette) and angelica, a note that Victoria explored recently. I’m sure there will be other recommendations for you. August 21, 2018 at 1:54pm Reply

      • Laura: Thank you Aurora. I use the Elixir in each autumn since some years. It is indeed sultry and nice, maybe I will continue to stick to it, albeit I started to be overwhelmed by the salty note. Noa seems too discret, bu I will surely try Musc Nomade August 21, 2018 at 2:37pm Reply

    • Sandra: I am looking for something similar as well with sillage & not a white floral August 21, 2018 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Nina Z: A couple of softer, more sheer orientals are Oriental Lounge from The Different Company (a soft and sheer amber-y fragrance) and Sushi Imperiale by Bois 1920, which is a soft spicy vanilla fragrance. August 21, 2018 at 10:01pm Reply

    • Adina: Hello Laura,
      Check out Lilla Lilla from L’Erbolario, it’s on the floral-oriental side, but I see it more for a transition season than for the winter, so this could be a good autumnal choice! August 22, 2018 at 10:45pm Reply

      • Laura: Thank you, Adina! I will check it asap. August 23, 2018 at 12:12am Reply

    • kpaint: “Feminine, soft scent with sillage” for September immediately brings to mind Narciso edp (in the white cube bottle.) It’s one I crave when the season changes but it does have gardenia, though it doesn’t read to me as the primary note.

      ELdO Fils de Dieu, YSL Cinema, JM Dark Amber & Ginger Lily, Edward Bess La Femme Boheme, Hermes Ambre Narguile, Tauer L’Air du Désert Marocain/Au Coeur du Desert, and Dior Mitzah are all fragrances I associate with that time of year more or less in the oriental genre. August 25, 2018 at 9:25am Reply

      • Laura Nistor: Thank you for these awesome recommendations. I think I’ll choose Narciso, but will also sample the other great scents as well. August 25, 2018 at 11:59am Reply

    • Marisa Nel: Hi, I love Jasmin Noir from Bvlgari, not too heavy, and still feminine. August 27, 2018 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Katherine x: A soft milky rose? Mohur by Neela Vermiere. Or a little spicier Trayee (also Vermiere)? September 13, 2018 at 6:35am Reply

  • Adina: Hello everyone! I would like to buy a Tom Ford perfume and I am not decided between Velvet Orchid Lumiere, Orchid Soleil and Noir Pour Femme. I tried them all and each of them was a true delight for me, as I also used a bottle of Black Orchid edt and I consider it to be one of my favourites perfumes. At the moment, I want to try another TF creation and I am curious about your recommendations (or maybe concerning other houses that have similar perfumes). Thank you! August 21, 2018 at 1:12pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Adina: One of the TF I have and enjoy is Cafe Rose, it has in the opening the truest rose I have encountered. The others I have are discontinued, Fleur de Chine and the very potent Sahara Noir.

      Good luck in making your decision. August 22, 2018 at 5:28am Reply

      • Adina: Thank you for your suggestions, I am also sad that Sahara Noir is discontinued, as I read great reviews about it. August 22, 2018 at 10:39pm Reply

    • Cybele: I tested My Burberry Black today and am positively surprised- still sniffing my arm – you might want to give it a try. Also try Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois! August 22, 2018 at 2:03pm Reply

      • Adina: Thank you, I’ll give them a try. From Serge Lutens I had “Un bois vanille”, which I loved during the cold season! August 22, 2018 at 10:41pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I really liked TF’s four “Vert” scents, especially Vert Boheme and Vert de Fleur. August 24, 2018 at 6:39pm Reply

  • Nina Z: My favorite gardenia is Cuir Gardenia from Aftelier, a natural perfume company. Mandy was able to source some gorgeous natural gardenia essence for this one, and it’s stunning and rich (though expensive). You can buy tiny bottles, however. Another idea is Le Wild by Chantecaille, which is a fresher, very pretty take on gardenia. August 21, 2018 at 10:08pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Oops! Wrong place. August 21, 2018 at 10:10pm Reply

  • Cybele: I’m looking for a green oriental a bit in the 70ies – 80ies manner. Think Halston, Must de Cartier…Thanks! August 22, 2018 at 2:55am Reply

    • K: Hi Cybele, your query made me think of Tom Ford Vert d’Encens, Calvin Klein Obsession (still great in my opinion) Shanghai Tang
      Oriental Pearl which has an odd (but in a good way) herbaceous opening I can’t place, and maybe a long shot, Cacharel Eden 🙂 K August 22, 2018 at 4:56am Reply

    • K: Hi Cybele, your query made me think of Tom Ford Vert d’Encens, Calvin Klein Obsession (still great but that’s just my opinion) Shanghai Tang Oriental Pearl which has an odd (in a good way) herbaceous opening, and not technically oriental, but Cacharel Eden 🙂 K August 22, 2018 at 5:02am Reply

      • Cybele: Thanks! These sound intriguing, I will check them out! August 22, 2018 at 5:05am Reply

      • Cybele: I tested Tom Ford Vert d’Encens today, it is interesting and reminds me a lot of Ormond Jayne Woman for that candy house in the forest effect. I also tried My Burberry Black and am surprised to like it quite a lot, it weirdly also has a green facet to me, might be the patchouli. August 22, 2018 at 11:53am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi: Also, Moschino Moschino is in the same vein of green orientals. August 22, 2018 at 5:49am Reply

      • Cybele: Yes I used to wear Moschino! Have to try the current formulation. Thanks! August 22, 2018 at 9:14am Reply

  • K: Sorry Cybele, posted my comment twice by mistake! August 22, 2018 at 5:05am Reply

    • Cybele: Don’t worry about it! 😊 August 22, 2018 at 5:33am Reply

  • Aurora: Hello everyone: What perfumes did you wear during the heatwave? Mine was Hermes Voyage but I would be grateful for more ideas.
    Many thanks! August 22, 2018 at 5:51am Reply

    • Nancy Chan: Hi Aurora, any perfumes which are way too quiet. Mine include Osmanthe Yunnan, L’ Eau D’ Hiver, 4711 Nouveau Cologne. August 22, 2018 at 9:15am Reply

      • Aurora: Thank yoou so much Nancy! Your choices sound very appropriate for the heat. Yes, l’Eau d’Hiver was very quiet on me too when I tried it, I will definitely consider it next summmer. The Hermessences like Osmanthe Yunnan don’t have a reputation for being long lasting but OY must be lovely and I use 4711 too but my bottle is vintage (it’s a neroli/orange blossom) and very refreshing for hot weather. August 22, 2018 at 12:16pm Reply

        • Nancy Chan: The lighter perfumes have good radiance in warmer weather. I also love sparkling citrus based perfumes such as Clarins Eau de Jardin. I also have the 4711 Original Eau de Cologne the one you mentioned, but find the fragrance has short lasting power. August 22, 2018 at 1:07pm Reply

          • Aurora: Thank you Nancy, I agree light perfumes take on a different aura in summer. I always have a bottle of Clarins Eau Dynamisante, I will test Eau de Jardin now that you mention it. Yes, 4711 is short lived but good while it lasts 🙂

            And I can swear that Voyage cooled me down, Victoria found Hermes Un Jardin apres la Mousson cooling too, my bottle of it is in Provence. August 22, 2018 at 1:58pm Reply

    • Cybele: Outrageous and Muguet Porcellain August 22, 2018 at 10:43am Reply

      • Aurora: Another Frederic Malle, thank you for answering Cybele, I looked Outrageous up and it looks perfect for the heat. When I tried Muguet Porcelaine, it didn’t make an impression but I will give it another chance. My favorite LOTV are Diorissimo (like most people) and I have found the budget Woods of Windsor very good. too. August 22, 2018 at 12:22pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Angeliques Sous La Pluie is like a refreshing gin and tonic in this weather! I’ve also worn Kyoto a few times this summer and it has done nicely. August 22, 2018 at 9:02pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much for sharing your choices! I haven’t tried them and am now curious.
        Gin and tonic sounds so perfect in the heat.
        I will definitely seek out Kyoto, I can always do with more incense fragrances 🙂 August 23, 2018 at 5:18am Reply

        • Pocketvenus: You’re very welcome, Aurora! ASLP gets overlooked in the Malle line, especially as it is similar to the heavier Bois d’Orage, but I find it’s a nice, breezy wear with a bit of sparkle 🙂 August 23, 2018 at 6:47pm Reply

    • Jessicarus: Hi Aurora— I always seize the opportunity to wear Après l’Ondée as it is my favorite, and I can actually smell it when it is hot out =) August 23, 2018 at 5:24pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hi Jessica: Oh Al’O is such a good option.
        Thank you very much! I have been wearing Jicky EDT with its so refreshing lavender, I was surprised as how I enjoyed it this summer. August 24, 2018 at 4:56am Reply

    • Morelle: Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil, with a beautiful, inobtrusive note of green mango. And sometimes, for a change, Jubilation XXV Man (Amouage). It’s herbaceous and opulent but not at all cloying. I’d use it more often if it wasn’t so expensive… August 24, 2018 at 5:54pm Reply

      • Aurora: How nice of you to answer Morelle! I have and love sur le Nil, like you I find the mango note enchanting and fresh. Thank you very much for describing XXV man. I cannot wear XXV Woman because of the cumin which ruins it for me but Man seems like such a good option with all these spices, I love coriander, and am intrigued by celeri seeds and by the idea of an oriental fougere. Also, Amouage with its middle-east heritage should be perfect for hot weather. August 25, 2018 at 3:32am Reply

    • kpaint: During a recent heatwave I only had access to a small portion of my collection, all Chanel, but they worked very well – No 19 edc, Bois des Iles edt, and Cristalle edp. August 25, 2018 at 9:01am Reply

      • Aurora: Hello kpaint! No 19 and Cristalle seem always right. I am not familiar with No 19 EDC, is it vintage? And I can imagine BdI woods blooming in the heat. August 25, 2018 at 6:15pm Reply

        • kpaint: Yes, vintage. August 26, 2018 at 9:10am Reply

    • katherine x: Bigarade Concentree is another in the Malle line that’s glorious in hot (or cold) weather. Also for a wonderfully fresh gin and tonic scent you might try Cartier L’Heure Brillante (VI). Gorgeous! September 13, 2018 at 6:40am Reply

      • Aurora: How nice of you to comment Katherine: FM is definitely the preferred choice on this thread. I have just looked up BC and I simply adore bitter orange.
        I believe many of the Cartier Heures series were very good indeed but they were expensive compared to the regular Cartier line up, I didn’t explore them and now I’m sorry because I think they’re discontinued: gin and tonic was also evoked by PocketVenus with Angelique sous la Pluie and it seems like the perfect note for hot weather. September 13, 2018 at 8:53am Reply

        • katherine x: You are very welcome Aurora! Yes – Pocketvenus reminded me of Cartier Brillante which is still in production as far as I can tell – though not carried in many stores – so I understand your hesitation. Just in case you’re still interested – you can find samples and relatively inexpensive bottles on xxbay in the U.S. at least. Am I allowed to say this? Not sure. Guess I might be a renegade then. September 13, 2018 at 9:03pm Reply

          • Aurora: Thank you for the tip Katherine, good to know it’s still available, I’m in the UK but you’re right, I will keep an eye on ebay. Yes, it’s fine to recommend it, I do too especially when I mentioned a discontinued scent. September 13, 2018 at 10:47pm Reply

  • Julie: Hi everyone,
    I am looking for a classic rose scent. Basically just the scent of rosewater or rose essential oil, both of which I love, but find neither of them lasts long enough. Ideally I would like something that lasts all day.
    Thoughts? August 23, 2018 at 11:19am Reply

    • Victoria: I just reviewed The Different Company Kashan Rose, and you might take a look at it. Annick Goutal Rose Absolue and Diptyque Eau Rose are also good options. August 23, 2018 at 11:23am Reply

    • Nina Z: Jo Malone Red Roses could work for you. August 23, 2018 at 4:15pm Reply

    • Nancy Chan: Hi Julie, Frédéric Malle’s Une Rose is a straightforward rose scent.To me it is exactly the smell of the flower itself. August 24, 2018 at 12:48pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: You should look at the website for Les Parfums de Rosine, all of their scents are based on rose and they have some lovely ones. I have three: Rose d’Amour, Rose d’Ete, and Clair Matin. I too love the scent of roses. Keiko Mecheri’s Attar de Roses is also very beautiful. I’m also a fan of Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves. Can’t say that any of these would last all day, though. You might like Amouage’s Lyric, but it’s a spicy rose; it lasts well. August 25, 2018 at 9:32pm Reply

      • kpaint: I’ll also add that the Rosine site offers a sample set (12 x 2 ml) for 25 euros, which includes shipping. I bought one a few years ago and will need another one soon as they’re almost all drained now. August 26, 2018 at 9:34am Reply

    • Ann: Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose

      Stella McCartney Stella

      Both of these are very affordable. Scentbird has Stella available, that’s approx. $15 – so you could try it out August 28, 2018 at 10:48am Reply

    • Cheryl: Hi Julie, I know it’s not super fancy and off the beaten track but I love Stella. It’s my favorite rose, and always get tons of compliments. Think about checking it out! September 14, 2018 at 9:36pm Reply

  • Natalie: Hello! I’m looking for a perfume that doesn’t take itself so seriously. The challenge is that I don’t like sweet or vanilla smells which typically fall into this category. I typically go for “cold” scents with a lot of green, iris, neroli or violet. I’m open to something fruity and lighthearted! Just nothing sweet 🙂 August 29, 2018 at 9:44pm Reply

    • Aurora: Have you tried Le Jardin series by Hermes?
      Sur le Nil with its green mango (my favorite), en Mediterranee for citrus and fig or sur le Toit for apple and pear, none features vanilla or sweet notes. Also, my Cacharel perfumes seem to me to have a light hearted caracter: my favorite is Noa l’Eau a lovely apple and cassis on a light but long lasting base of musk. Also, maybe do you like grapefruit for a tangy fruit note? If so DKNY Women might suit you, it’s dry and elegant or Diptyque Oyedo although discontinued so maybe difficult to find now. August 30, 2018 at 5:54pm Reply

      • Natalie: I have not tried those but I’ll take a look, thanks! September 1, 2018 at 1:24pm Reply

  • Elisabeth: Hi everyone,
    I am looking for a perfume to worn on rainy days. Something dark, brooding and dramatic, but also feminine, refined, polished and never harsh. Something with a nice edge.
    I am wearing La Fille de Berlin but recently I feel it wears too sugary on my skin. Sometimes I also wear Coromandel, although only on certain occassions because I’m afraid it would be too jarring for other people. August 30, 2018 at 8:24am Reply

  • Natalie: Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac & Marigold which coms in a black bottle. It has a beautiful jasmine accord with a little bit of marigold and dries down to a sumptuous woody benzoin base. Considering you website name you may like it. August 30, 2018 at 4:03pm Reply

  • Catherine: Hello all,

    I am looking for suggestions re: layering with Bois Farine. Blind purchase from couple of years ago after reading various reviews. Love the opening, but the drydown seems rather acrid and sour to me.

    I don’t want to give up on BF though. I tried pairing it with Comme des Garçons 2, with pretty good results. Kind of a stab in the dark : layering is new to me and I can’t explain why it works.

    Does anyone know Bois Farine enough to suggest another fragrance to pair it with?

    In case it helps, here’s what I like to wear these days: Narciso, Coriandre, Teatro alla Scala, Encre noire for men, Samsara, Shalimar.

    Merci beaucoup! September 16, 2018 at 10:25am Reply

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